Dolf DeJong

Dolf DeJong is the Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Zoo, where he has served since 2018. Under his leadership, the Zoo has advanced its mission of connecting people, animals, conservation science and traditional knowledge to fight extinction, including the creation of the Community Conservation Campus, expansion of wildlife health and cryobanking programs, and the development of innovative habitats such as the orangutan rainforest.

A committed advocate for biodiversity, Dolf plays a leadership role in the global zoo and aquarium community. He will be serving on the Council of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and has chaired committees within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). His work emphasizes the power of zoos as conservation organizations, advancing both species recovery and community engagement.

With more than two decades in the field, Dolf brings experience in strategic planning, education, and conservation partnerships, always seeking to strengthen the role of accredited zoos in addressing the biodiversity and climate crises.